Residuals of elbow trauma in children.

Residuals of trauma involving the distal humerus in children are mostly the result of delayed treatment or incomplete reduction of the fracture fragments. Cubitus varus after supracondylar fractures is primarily a cosmetic problem. Correction of this deformity is possible surgically but requires strict attention to detail because a high incidence of complications are associated with performance of a supracondylar osteotomy. Cubitus valgus, on the other hand, does have some functional problems. Thus, there is more of a functional reason to correct cubitus valgus deformities. The biologic complications of lateral condyle fractures such as lateral spur formation and the mild cubitus varus that occurs usually do not require surgical intervention. Those problems associated with techniques of treatment, such as a delayed open reduction, non-union, and angulation, again can be remedied surgically. Specific basic principles, as outlined in this article, however, must be followed to achieve success.